Visiting Tips

General tips

WE’RE UPGRADING YOUR VISITOR EXPERIENCE

During February, the museum will be undergoing renovations.
Our foyer will be temporarily closed for February, with our ticket office relocated to the side of the museum closest to Murray Street. Our staff will be available to help you find your way.
We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you soon with a upgraded visitor experience.
Other areas affected include the 3D theatre and the Mini Mariners Play Space.

Take a Complimentary Guided Tour

Led by highly knowledgeable volunteer guides, the museum offers guided tours of our world-class vessel fleet, exhibitions and collections. Ask at museum’s reception on the day. If you would like to request a guided tour for your group please call 9298 3777 at least 2 days in advance. NB: Guided tours are subject to availability.

What to Wear

The museum is spread over a large site (indoor and outdoor) so wear comfortable shoes. Closed toe / flat shoes are generally best. Hats and sun protection are strongly recommended if you plan on spending time exploring our wharves and spectacular historical vessels.

Storage

The museum is accessible to strollers and prams via ramps and lifts but they are not allowed on the vessels. All backpacks and large bags must be stored at the museum cloakroom, located in our main foyer.

Taking Photos

You are welcome to take photos and video in the museum using existing light only (no flash) and for personal, non-commercial use only. Our vessels such as the submarine, lighthouse and ship decks all make for fantastic photo opportunities. Photography and videography are often restricted in special exhibition galleries so please check at the front desk when you arrive. You can share your photos with us on social media.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in the museum.

Visiting With Kids

Treat the kids to a fascinating day of learning opportunities combined with a sense of adventure. Climb aboard real-life tall ships, warships and a submarine, engage in interactive displays, and take part in hands-on kids activities held during the week, on weekends and school holidays. The museum is a very family-friendly place where kids are guaranteed a great time with lots of room to explore. A few handy points:

The museum is at Darling Harbour Sydney and is easily accessible by public transport, bike or by car. If you come on a Sunday using public transport, buy a Family Funday Sunday ticket ($2.50 per person) and enjoy unlimited travel by train, bus, ferry and light rail in Sydney, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra areas. Discounted all-day parking is available for $15 at Harbourside Secure Parking, 100 Murray Street, Pyrmont (make sure you get your parking ticket stamped by us). See Getting Here.

You can expect lots of walking and climbing so make sure the whole family has comfortable footwear. Closed toe/flat shoes are best (not high-heels).

For safety reasons, children have to be at least 90cm in height to board all vessels.

The museum is accessible to strollers and prams via ramps and lifts but they are not allowed on the vessels. You can store your equipment for free in the cloakroom.

The museum has baby change rooms.

The museum’s kiosk has a takeaway and sit-down menu. Yots Café offers a special kids menu, high chairs and bottle warming. See Eating & Drinking.

If you want to bring your own lunch, there are picnic tables on the museum’s Ben Lexcen Terrace which has lovely water views over Darling Harbour. Right outside the museum, Pyrmont Bay Park (in front of Wharf 7) is another great spot. A Growers’ Market is held there the first Saturday of every month (except January) from 7am – 11am. Snack on artisan breads, fresh vegetables, gourmet meats, cheeses and baked foods.

A guide to Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a popular harbour-side precinct, a short walk from Sydney’s CBD. It is home to many Sydney tourist attractions, bustling restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping boutiques – and a few quiet spots to rest, ponder or play as well.

It's also one of Sydney’s great celebration spaces and regularly stages big events and cultural festivals. Visit the Darling Harbour website to see what’s on.

It can be easily accessed by public transport, bike or car. The National Maritime Museum is located at the northern end of Darling Harbour on the Pyrmont side. See Getting Here.

Download the Free App

Regularly updated by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, this app will help you find your way around Darling Harbour and give you lots of info like where to eat and drink, what to see and do and the latest special offers.

Accommodation

Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, just minutes from the Australian National Maritime Museum and within easy access to central Sydney, Novotel Darling Harbour and ibis Darling Harbour have a range of accommodation options to suit all our visitors.